Evan Marquez does his best to instill a few notions of literature in high-school students who are completely indifferent to the subject. Besides, he is openly gay, which should not be a problem. Except that he’s under investigation for having kissed Malcolm, his ex-boyfriend, an ex-teacher like himself, in front of the students. While still figuring out if Malcolm was a real boyfriend, and may or may not still be, Evan prepares his defense. Thankfully, he has the full support of his friends, Gwen (Spanish teacher) and Markie (P.E.). As for the principal, who hates conflict and trouble, all he wants to do is hush it up. Torn between his integrity and the search for a solution, Evan navigates at sight and tries to preserve his motivation to teach.
Are teachers the new heroes ?
That’s what everybody is saying. Granted, between respect for all sensibilities, even the most absurd, teaching becomes a challenge. History, literature, art and all these subjects are not concerned with political correctness. Applying our modern vision to the works of the past is nonsense. Besides, most of the kids are there out of obligation, and have only a moderate desire to succeed in their studies.
The tribute to the Dead Poets Society is a little overdone. Still, these teachers are depicted as normal human being : enthusiasts or cowards, or both. They stick together, or not. The contrast between their attitudes and interests and those of the schoolchildren makes for some funny situations. However, the series is never fully hilarious. Like the main character, the plot seems a bit stale, failing to choose between the normalization of a gay man’s life and a more committed point of view. The series remains sympathetic, mainly thanks to its characters. But we can hope for more resolutely original writing in season 2.
1 season, 8 episodes (25 mn), 2024 -, on Disney+
WITH : Brian Jordan Alvarez as Evan Marquez, Stephanie Koenig as Gwen Sanders, Enrico Colantoni as Grant Moretti, Sean Patton as Markie Hillridge, Carmen Christopher as Rick Santana, Jordan Firstman as Malcolm, Langston Kerman as Harry